Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Leicester City on the weekend proved to be the final straw for manager José Mourinho. He was sacked by chairman Roman Abramovich on Thursday, with the reigning champions incredibly teetering only a point clear of the bottom three with the midway point of the season fast approaching. The Blues will be hoping for an upturn in form in time for Christmas with a win over fellow strugglers Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Chelsea vs. Sunderland 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch EPL online
The post-Mourinho era begins at Stamford Bridge with a game at home against Sunderland.
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Sam Allardyce appeared to spark a revival at the Black Cats when they recorded back-to-back wins in November for the first time all season, though recent defeats to Arsenal and Watford have seen them slide back into the bottom three. They have a poor squad on high wages, but perhaps only Tony Pulis is a better manager for a club in their position than Allardyce. It’d be a big surprise if they rolled over and made life easy for Chelsea in this match.
Key factor: Will Chelsea fare better with Mourinho gone?
Though Chelsea haven’t yet named a successor to Mourinho -- Dutchman Guus Hiddink will likely be brought in imminently to reprise his old interim role at Stamford Bridge -- chairman Abramovich clearly thinks sacking Mourinho will improve results. He’ll be hoping for an immediate impact against a team they really ought to be beating. Sunderland, on the other hand, will be hoping the Mourinho damage takes a little longer to fix.
Recent history
Sunderland have become something of a bogey team for Chelsea over the last few years. While Chelsea did win their last meeting back in May, of the three prior fixtures Sunderland won twice and drew the other. Despite seemingly being engaged in an interminable relegation struggle in recent times, the Black Cats have had an uncanny ability to pick up points when least expected. They’ll be hoping for more of the same.
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: Radamel Falcao (unspecified); Eden Hazard (hip).
Sunderland injuries and suspensions
Out: Sebastian Larsson (knee). In doubt: Seb Coates, Younès Kaboul (illness); Lee Cattermole (back).
Chelsea have no confirmed absentees, though after his long-term layoff, it’s unlikely we’ll see Falcao involved here. Hazard is also a big doubt after limping off with a hip injury on Monday.
Sunderland will certainly be without creative midfielder Larsson, though defenders Coates and Kaboul and midfield anchorman Cattermole all face late fitness tests.
Match date/time: Sat., Dec. 19, 10 a.m. ET, 3 p.m. local
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London, England
TV: NBCSN (US - English); NBC Universo (US - Spanish); TSN1 (Canada)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (US - English); NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra (US - Spanish)
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